The process has been about 70 percent exciting and fun and 30 percent frustrating and tedious. I’m sticking with it, because my dream is to have my own PDF sewing pattern business! That goal will be a greater focus as 2020 plods along (more on that later in this post).

Fabric

Do these ballerina ostriches enchant you as much as they enchant me? This is 100 percent cotton flannel fabric from… sheets I found at Target! I was rolling in the kids’ bedding section, and the ostriches danced into my heart. I knew they’d be the perfect sassy flannel pajamas. I just needed a pattern.

Construction Details

I’ve got three things of note for you:

Pattern Matching

I’m proud of the pattern matching on these pajamas. I took my time and synchronized those dancing ostriches across the front of the button-up top. To me, that was the most important place to align the print.

I didn’t align the print, for the top or the pants, along their respective (out)side seams. When you’re sewing a print like this, you can overmatch and look like you’re wearing wallpaper, which is a weird look.

For the bottoms, I aligned the rows, making sure the ostriches’ pointe shoes and bows were along the same X-axis. I didn’t attempt to match individual printed ostriches across the front or back crotch seams, because those seams are:

Buttons

I made the buttonholes with my vintage buttonholer, and it worked swimmingly. To evenly space the buttonholes, I used my handy-dandy (and supremely satisfying) buttonhole gauge.

I went with basic buttons and (almost) matching pink thread. I didn’t want the buttons (or any topstitching) to be a major design feature. The ostriches and giant flounce cuffs are A LOT, and I didn’t want other elements fighting with them.

Major ‘Duh’ Moment

Between muslins No. 2 and No. 3, I failed to add width to my pattern for the button overlap. Oops. It’s easy to miss things like this when you’re doing other mods to pattern pieces. This is why it’s good to have detailed notes, especially if you’re going to take a year to finish a pattern design. *SMH*

Anyhoo, the seam allowances for the top’s sides are 1/4 inch (vs. 5/8 inch) and the button overlap is 3/4 inch (vs. 1 inch). Before I pack up my paper pattern pieces, I need to add width to the top front and back pattern pieces.

What I Like

Here are a few things that turned out particularly well.

The Perfect Match

These pajamas are a great marriage of pattern and fabric. What else are you going to make with a flannel ostrich print?

The Warmth Factor

Those Cuffs Tho

Full circle cuffs — yeah, those are circles with a hole in the middle — add drama and whimsy to a pattern that otherwise wouldn’t stand out. To my surprise, the cuffs don’t get the way when I’m living my night life — washing my face, brushing my teeth. Most of the time, they flop backward. If I need them to stay in place, I stuff them into the shirt sleeves, NBD. Not annoying.

What Could Be Better

Even though I made all the choices for this garment, it ain’t perfect.

Less Loosey Goosey

I should have made the elastic waistband tighter. It’s loose — loose enough that when I have my phone in a pocket, the waistband on that side dips. I prefer pajama pants with a waist tie, and I wish I would have done that for these jammies. But I was too lazy, TBH.

Shape of the Pants

The pattern is from pattern blocks in “Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear.” I got a good fit for relaxed-style pants, but it’s not my ideal style. I like a straighter leg, and the front of the pants is a little poochy. I could have done a better job refining the shape of the pants pattern pieces, but after three muslins, I was itching to make the dang garment. Plus, it’s not like the pants take away from the functionality of the pajamas.

Those Cuffs Tho, Part 2

If I were to make this pattern again, I’d go for half- or quarter-circle cuffs. They’d still be flouncy, but they’d use less fabric and probably be easier to sew to the sleeve.

Overall, I’m in love with these jammies (and wearing them as I write the post!), and I feel quite accomplished that my first self-drafted sewing pattern was this complex! It gives me confidence for what’s next.

Speaking of…

What’s Next for Sie Macht

For the next bit, I’m going to slow-down-slash-take a blogging break. I want to focus on site reorganization and redesign (ooh la la), and buckle down on designing sewing patterns. I want to beef up other ways to generate revenue, and while I love blogging, it doesn’t make me much cash for the work I put into it.

I will keep you looped in with occasional posts and videos here and via Instagram. I’m on IG all the time (too much, maybe?), and that’s a great way to reach out. And I’ll still send the monthly Sie Macht email newsletter.

This isn’t a forever thing; it’s (primarily) a coronavirus-quarantine thing. I’m balancing Sie Macht stuff, homeschooling, parenting, household stuff, and (unfortunately) increased anxiety, which doesn’t do much for my creativity or focus. So, I’m giving myself a break. See you around with bigger and better Sie Macht goodies!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links chosen for you! If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! Should you be interested, you can read about our affiliate program participation on the About page.

]]>https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/my-flannel-pajamas/feed/23601Work in Progress: A Day in the Life of a Quarantine Sewisthttps://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/sewing-face-masks/
https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/sewing-face-masks/#commentsFri, 10 Apr 2020 11:00:24 +0000http://siemachtsewingblog.com/?p=3589This is a historic moment, and I wanted to document a day in my sewing life. I'm sewing face masks for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. [...]

Coronoavirus has us all holed up in our homes until further notice. My husband is working from home, and my boys are off school through at least the end of April.

This is a historic moment, and I wanted to document a day in my sewing life for posterity. I grabbed my camera Wednesday, April 8, 2020, and captured images of what was going on around Van Handel Headquarters. Even though this time is filled with tension and anxiety, and I want to remember it. Maybe it’s the ex-journalist in me.

On April 8, I finished some PPE for a friend who works at a hospital. He requested two scrub caps and a face mask in Milwaukee Brewers fabric. His colleagues are getting sent home sick, and other hospitals are sending ventilators to my friend’s facility.

He needs some cheer, and if I can sew some, I’ll do it.

On this day I also worked on fabric face masks for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. An acquaintance who works there put out a call on Facebook for masks. I had quilting cotton in my stash and time on my hands, so I set out sewing.

Usually I’m a committed selfish sewist who DOES NOT sew for hire. But this feels different. I can stay home, and I can sew. That’s how I can contribute during this crisis.

And if your sewing practice is a respite while you’re quarantined and/or you’re not interested in making masks, that’s cool, too. Don’t let yourself be guilted into sewing. Our underpants-sewing pal, Sophie Hines, has a powerful IG story about why it’s OK to NOT sew masks, and I can’t say I disagree with her. (It’s called “Sewing Masks.”) TL;DR: The scandalously wealthy health care system is failing to provide workers with proper equipment and now is guilting sewists into making masks, scrubs, and whatnot for no compensation. (Told you it was a hot take!)

In any case, it’s your sewing practice, and you have the right to do what you want. “No” is a complete answer if you’re asked about making fabric masks. As for me, I have a relationship with Children’s, and I want to help sick kids, their families, and the people who are taking care of them. So here I sew.

These Kai scissors are the jam and dangerous in the wrong hands. (Maybe dangerous in the right hands, too.)

My T-shirt says, “Sew, A Needle Pulling Thread,” which references two things I love (sewing and “The Sound of Music”). It’s from Maker Valley, and while they no longer offer this particular shirt, they have a bunch more that speak to my little sewist heart.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links chosen for you! If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! Should you be interested, you can read about our affiliate program participation on the About page.

]]>https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/sewing-face-masks/feed/23589See Ya Next Year, Camp Workroom Socialhttps://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/missing-camp/
https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/missing-camp/#commentsThu, 02 Apr 2020 19:37:18 +0000http://siemachtsewingblog.com/?p=3576This week I was supposed to be in New York state for Camp Workroom Social. [...]

You can guess what happened to those plans, because I’m sure YOUR plans ran into the same roadblocks. Coronavirus and quarantine.

My options for camp were to get a refund or roll over my fees for next year’s event. I opted to hold steady for 2021.

In Search of the Bright Side

There’s research that shows that planning a vacation brings forth more happy vibes than the vacation itself. With this in mind, instead of throwing a pity party for myself and obsessing over the things I’m missing because camp was cancelled, I am looking ahead.

Following are things I’m looking forward to NEXT year when I attend Wardrobe Week. Let’s flash forward to April 2021, when scientists have developed a vaccine for COVID-19, medical professionals have all the equipment they need, and Americans have a new president.

I am looking forward to:

Making IRL sewing friends, because sewing people are THE BEST.

Talking sewing for hours with these new friends and feeling like we “get” each other.

Traveling by myself, particularly to a big city such as New York. No hubs, no kiddos. MOM ON THE LOOSE.

Having an identity outside my family (particularly as a mother) for a few days.

Wandering around the NYC Fashion District on my own timeline.

Figuring out how to pack a carry-on bag with personal effects AND sewing gear (because this girl NEVER checks bags).

Asking questions to sewing teachers at camp… and getting unedited answers in real time! So much different from correspondence via social media or email.

Discovering how my fellow campers approach sewing problems… and hitting them up for their best tips and tricks, along with their favorite fabric stores, books, patterns, etc.

Listening! To everyone about everything! I have a vision of carrying a notebook to capture content and sewing pattern ideas and slick techniques and process improvement intel. I will be a SPONGE, I tell you!

Having sewing classes! YAY!

Having some quality time in the woods. It’s a balm for my soul.

Shopping at Mood Fabrics. I’ve been there in person once, and I CAN NOT WAIT for a deep dive into bolts and bolts and bolts of fabric at a proper fashion fabric retailer.

Eating by myself in New York. I love taking myself out to eat. I’m a slow eater, and I can take my time when I’m alone. Plus, it’s great for people watching.

Sewing alongside other people! Sewing usually is a solitary practice; it’ll be nice to be physically next to someone for a change.

Watching other people sew. I looooove watching how other people handle fabric. Everyone has their own style. What can I adopt into my own practice?

Taking part in this exclusive event. I’ve heard the stories about Camp Workroom Social, and I want to participate, too! I’m a lucky gal to have the privilege to attend.

In the Meantime

Boo hoo, I’m not going to camp. How shall I occupy my time?

I am sewing masks for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. I have three dozen masks cut from quilting cotton and ready for stitching. I’m blessed enough to have the means and time to help medical professionals be more safe at work. Along with sheltering in place, it’s an action I can take to make things a little bit better during this bizarre time.

If you’re not interested in sewing masks, that’s OK. Your sewing practice is YOUR practice. Don’t be guilted into making masks because you can. Let sewing be your escape if that’s what you need.

And after I finish masks… I’m not sure what I’ll work on next. Maybe I’ll dive into a project that was intended for camp?

Over to you: What are you working on as you’re quarantined? Are you sewing masks? Have you been on a sewing retreat? If yes, can ya tell us a bit about it and share some tips? Please leave your two cents in comments. Thanks for reading!

]]>https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/04/missing-camp/feed/43576Six Legit Quarantine Sewing Suggestions (Should You Be Interested)https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/03/quarantine-sewing-suggestions/
https://siemachtsewingblog.com/2020/03/quarantine-sewing-suggestions/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2020 22:27:09 +0000http://siemachtsewingblog.com/?p=3563Hello again, my sewing doves. As I mentioned last week, I’m home with my husband, Mark, and our sons (5 and 8). Finding a good schedule for everyone has been a challenge, which is why Sie Macht work has been light. This doesn’t mean, however, that I’ve stopped thinking about sewing! (Like, is that even […]

As I mentioned last week, I’m home with my husband, Mark, and our sons (5 and 8). Finding a good schedule for everyone has been a challenge, which is why Sie Macht work has been light.

This doesn’t mean, however, that I’ve stopped thinking about sewing! (Like, is that even possible?) I dipped into the Sie Macht archives to bring forth six sewing goodies that I think you’d enjoy during this time of quarantine.

If you haven’t already, sign up for the monthly Sie Macht newsletter, which drops Saturday, March 28. In it you’ll get a little love note from ME, an exclusive video, and a roundup of the most recent Sie Macht posts. This month’s video is about my self-designed flannel pajamas (pictured above) that I’ve been working on for more than a year (!!!). Aren’t you dying of curiosity???

6.) The Obvious Sewing Stuff

There’s always burning through your works in progress and sewing your fabric and/or pattern stash. If you’re still stuck for quarantine sewing suggestions, lurk Instagram for challenges. For example, the Sewcialists are hosting a “Sew Your Birth Year” mini challenge.

I hope your sewing practice brings your peace and joy during this challenging time. Please leave a comment with other quarantine sewing suggestions and YOUR personal plans for stitching up a storm (or not, if you’re not feeling it). Let’s discuss and support each other!

I don’t have a proper post for you today. I’ve been working on a post about measuring flat pattern pieces (and a companion video), and I don’t like it yet. I’m close, but it’s not right, so I’d rather not share it.

Like many (most, at this point?) of you, I’ve been self-quarantining. My husband is working from home for the next month, and my sons (4K and 3rd grade) are off until at least April 13. In the meantime, I’m figuring out what our days look like and how to homeschool (never thought I’d say that) the boys.

My state’s governor this week banned groups of more than 10 people and closed indoor malls, eat-in restaurants, and places of worship, among other things. It’s beyond belief, except that it’s true.

I’ve struggled to figure out when and how I’m going to work on Sie Macht stuff. I’ll need you bear with me as I devised a plan. This time of the year always is hard for me. It’s the tail end of winter, meaning that it’s not insanely cold *most* of the time. But, it’s still not particularly pleasant for outdoor play. I get sick of outside times fairly fast when the temp doesn’t get higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit on a “warm” day.

What’s more, March 1 (2018) is when my mom passed, and March 20 is her birthday. So there’s a big part of the month where I feel fairly mopey.

I don’t want to whine or feel sorry for myself. Mostly I’m trying to feel feelings and treat myself with kindness. Things are shitty all around, and I recognize that all things considered, I have it pretty darn good. I don’t have an employer to please, and child care for the boys is a foregone conclusion. Those of you who are balancing both are amazing humans who deserve a stiff drink, a massage, and 16 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Hubs keeps pointing out that this is temporary, so I’m shrugging, sighing, and carrying on the best I can. I hope you are, too. It’s all you can do.

I’ll getcha a post next week, how’s that sound? (And if I can’t, I’ll do another one of these types of posts.)